We're entering the final grading cycle of the school year, and the STAAR testing season is here. Students will take the writing test next Tuesday, followed by Math on May 9 and Reading on May

Students have been doing some amazing writing in the classroom and revisiting a few of the more tricky grammar concepts. They're clearly ready for the test. Please be sure they get plenty of rest and have a healthy, protein-packed breakfast each morning. Along with a fresh handful of No. 2 pencils, students should bring healthy snacks, water, and confidence to school each morning.

Here's what else we're working on:

Reading: We'll get back to our novels and do a second genre study plus address the thorniest reading skills. The poetry quilts are due Thursday; the final book project involves a biography

Social studies: We'll spend a few weeks on the Civil War before moving on to boom times in Texas

Science: We're wrapping up our geology unit and will move on to ecosystems and the environment

Math: Measurement plus a review of all units and revisiting targeted skills